Mehndi Night Celebration Explained

A Mehndi night, also known as a henna night (or henna party), is a pre-wedding celebration in which intricate henna designs are applied to the bride’s hands and feet. It is a traditional event in South Asian cultures, such as Indian, Pakistani, and Bangladeshi, and often takes place a few days before the wedding. The Mehndi night is a festive occasion where friends and family gather to celebrate the upcoming wedding, and often includes music, dancing, and food. The bride-to-be usually wears traditional clothing and jewellery, and the henna designs are believed to bring good luck to the marriage.

Who attends a Mehndi party?

A Mehndi party is typically attended by close female friends and family members of the bride-to-be. This can include the bride’s sisters, cousins, aunts, and mother, as well as female friends and relatives of the groom’s family. Male members of the family and friends are also sometimes invited, but it’s primarily a female-centered event. The party is often held at the bride’s home or in a banquet hall. Some Mehndi party also invite professional henna artist to come and apply henna designs on the hands of the guests as well.

What to wear on a Mehndi night

Traditionally, the bride-to-be and female guests at a Mehndi night wear traditional South Asian clothing, such as a saree, lehenga, or salwar kameez. These are brightly colored, embroidered garments that are typically made from silk or chiffon. Jewelry is also worn, such as bangles, earrings, and a necklace, and henna designs are often applied to the hands and feet. Some guests also wear traditional dupatta (long scarf) or jhumka (traditional earrings)

For men, traditional attire such as kurta pyjama or sherwani is worn.

It’s important to keep in mind that dress codes vary depending on the family and the region, so it’s best to check with the host or the bride-to-be for any specific dress code or recommendations.

It’s also worth noting that, in some cases, the Mehndi party may be more casual, and people may choose to wear more comfortable or western attire, in such cases it’s always a good idea to check with the host.

What gifts can the bride give at a Mehndi party?

Traditionally, the bride-to-be is showered with gifts on a Mehndi night, but it is also becoming common for the bride to give gifts to her guests as a way to thank them for their love and support. Here are some gift ideas that the bride can give to her guests at a Mehndi party:

1. Henna cones: As a nod to the central theme of the Mehndi night, the bride can give her guests henna cones that they can use to apply henna designs on their hands and feet.
2. Jewellery: The bride can give her guests traditional jewellery items such as bangles, earrings, or a necklace that they can wear on the wedding day or after.
3. Sweet treats: The bride can give her guests traditional sweets such as gulab jamun or rasgulla, which are popular in South Asian cultures.
4. Personalised gifts: The bride can give her guests a personalised gift such as a photo album or a scrapbook filled with memories of her and her guests together.
5. Hand-made gifts: The bride can give her guests hand-made gifts such as a piece of artwork, a knitting or a pottery piece that she made.
6. Personalised bags: The bride can give her guests a personalised bag such as a tote bag or a purse, that they can use in the future.
7. Scented candles or room diffusers: These are a great way to create a relaxing and cosy atmosphere in the guests’ home.

What to gift on a Mehndi night

Traditionally, it is customary to bring gifts for the bride-to-be on a Mehndi night. Some popular gift ideas include:

1. Jewelry: such as bangles, earrings, or a necklace that the bride can wear on her wedding day.
2. Clothing or traditional attire: such as a saree or lehenga that the bride can wear on her wedding day or after.
3. Beauty products: such as henna cones, hair oils, or makeup that the bride can use for her wedding.
4. Home decor items: such as a decorative tray or vase that the bride can use in her new home.
5. Cash or gift cards: which the bride can use to help cover wedding expenses or for her future use.
6. Personalised gifts: such as a photo album or a scrapbook filled with memories of the bride, or a traditional artifact that hold cultural significance.

It’s always a good idea to check with the bride-to-be or the host to see if there is a gift registry or any specific gift requests before buying a gift.

Where does a Mehndi party usually take place

A Mehndi party is usually held at the home of the bride-to-be or at a banquet hall. It can take place at a family member’s home or the bride’s home, depending on the preference of the family.

In some cases, the party may also be held at a community center, a hotel, or an event venue. This often happens when the guest list is large or when the bride’s family wants to host a more lavish celebration.

It’s also possible for the Mehndi party to take place at an outdoor location, such as a park, garden or a beach if weather permits.

The important thing is that the venue should be big enough to accommodate all the guests, and should have enough space for henna artists to work on the bride’s and guests’ hands and feet. It should also have enough seating arrangements for all guests, and if possible, space for music and dancing.

It’s always a good idea to check with the host or the bride-to-be for any specific venue recommendations or requirements.

Mehndi décor ideas

Decorating for a mehndi event should be vibrant and fun. You want your guests to marvel at the colourful display and feel uplifted by the atmosphere. So how can you create an impressively creative and unique mehndi décor that stands out?

Begin with materials inspired by nature – include freshly cut flowers, hand dyed paper, stone blocks or macramé accents – to inject some life into your space. Choose vivid hues like maroon and orange to give eyes something truly eye-catching.

Capture the spirit of India with whimsical lanterns that illuminate the evening. Hang wicker baskets full of succulents or paper mobiles composed of intricate illustrations floating above attendees as they dance. Place painted wooden boxes filled with votives clustered on each table surrounded by blushing blooms.

Intricate designs adorned with colourful antique fabrics hung from wood beams makes for an entrancing backdrop for any special occasion. String bright parasols from tree branches for a magical setting second to none, then set up oversized geometric shapes like stars or diamonds to bring attention to special areas around the place. Finally use billowing drapes of deep bronze or dark peacock blues to add essential contrast and drama to further enhance the look of your celebration!

What music to play at a Mehndi party?

Mehndi parties are traditionally lively and festive occasions, and music plays an important role in setting the tone for the event. Typically, traditional South Asian music such as Bhangra, Bollywood, or Qawwali music is played at Mehndi parties.

Bhangra is a high-energy Punjabi folk dance music, Bollywood music is a genre of Indian music used in the soundtracks of Indian films and Qawwali is a form of devotional music of the Muslim Sufis of the Indian subcontinent.

These types of music often feature lively beats, catchy melodies, and the use of traditional instruments such as the dhol, tabla, and sitar. Live music or a DJ can also be hired for the event, depending on the preference of the host or the bride-to-be.

It’s also common for the Mehndi party to include a mix of different genres of music such as modern pop, hip-hop, and R&B, but always keeping in mind the traditional and cultural theme of the event.

In addition to music, other forms of entertainment such as dance performances, games, and other interactive activities can also be included in the Mehndi party to keep the guests entertained.

It’s always a good idea to check with the host or the bride-to-be for any specific music or entertainment requests or recommendations.

What food is served at a Henna party

A typical mehndi night will feature an array of snacks including samosas, bhel puri, frankies, kachoris and pakoras. There’ll often be sweets too like jalebis and gulab jamuns. For drink choices, you can expect masala chai or milky lassi served in earthen clay pots for guests to sip in between socialising with family and friends.

But what sets a mehndi party apart from other gatherings are the main dishes on offer. Rich curries made from freshly ground spices fill menus everywhere; typically either goat or chicken but sometimes fish too alongside sides such as a daal makhani or biryani rice. All flavoursome finger-lickin’ dishes that guarantee to satisfy everyone’s hunger!

What to include on a Mehndi invitation card

A Mehndi invitation card should include the following information:

1. The name of the bride-to-be and the groom-to-be.
2. The date, time, and location of the Mehndi event.
3. The dress code, if any, for the event.
4. The name and contact details of the host(s) of the event.
5. A polite request for RSVP and the deadline for responding.
6. Any other relevant details such as the theme of the party or the traditional customs that will be followed.
7. Any special instructions or parking information for the guests.
8. Information about the venue and direction to the venue
9. It’s also a good idea to include a little note of gratitude or well wishing for the guests to be a part of the celebration.

It’s also important to make sure that the design and layout of the invitation card is visually pleasing and reflects the traditional and cultural theme of the event.

If you are stuck for ideas on what to include for your Mehndi card design, why not have a look at our Mehndi card template section?

Wording for Mehndi Invitation – Wordings and Templates

What are the best symbols to include on a Mehndi invitation card

Mehndi invitations often include symbols that are traditionally associated with good luck, prosperity, and love. Here are some popular symbols that can be included on a Mehndi invitation card:

1. Henna designs: since henna is the central theme of the Mehndi night, it’s fitting to include henna designs on the invitation card.
2. Paisleys: paisleys are a traditional symbol of good luck and prosperity in South Asian cultures.
3. Lotus: the lotus symbolizes purity, enlightenment, and self-regeneration.
4. Peacock: the peacock is a symbol of beauty, grace, and good luck.
5. Elephant: the elephant is a symbol of strength, wisdom, and good luck.
6. Om or Swastika: Om is a sacred sound and a spiritual icon in Hinduism, it is often used to represent the universe and spiritual awakening. Swastika is a symbol of good luck, prosperity, and well-being.
7. Stars or Moon : Star or Moon are often used to represent the beauty, mystery, and wonder of the night sky.
8. Flowers: flowers such as roses, marigolds, and jasmine are often used to represent love, beauty, and happiness.

These are just a few examples of the symbols that can be used in Mehndi invitation cards. You can also include any other symbols that hold personal significance or cultural significance to the bride and groom or their families.

At CardFusion, we have a good range of symbols that can be used for your Mehndi invitation cards. They can be seen here:

Mehndi, Henna and Paisley Symbols

What to include on a Mehndi welcome sign?

A Mehndi welcome sign can be a great way to set the tone for the event and to guide guests as they arrive. Here are a few things that can be included on a Mehndi welcome sign:

1. The name of the bride and groom: This is the most important element of the welcome sign, and it should be prominently displayed.
2. The date and time of the event: This will help guests plan their arrival and make sure they are on time for the party.
3. A henna design: This can be a simple design or a more elaborate one, but it should tie in with the theme of the Mehndi party.
4. A quote or a message of welcome: A quote or a message of welcome can be a great way to set the tone for the party and to make guests feel welcome.
5. The theme or the colour scheme: The theme or the colour scheme of the Mehndi party can be included on the welcome sign to give guests an idea of what to expect.
6. Safety measures or Covid-19 guidelines: If the event is taking place during the pandemic, it’s a good idea to include any safety measures or Covid-19 guidelines on the welcome sign.

The design and layout of the welcome sign can be as simple or as elaborate as you like. It’s a good idea to consider the overall theme of the Mehndi party and to coordinate the design of the welcome sign with the rest of the party decorations. If you are looking for some ideas for your mehndi welcome sign, click on the link below and see our range: